BANA

Bana is the pop princess of Sulaymaniyah, the Kurdistan region’s capital of culture. Bana entered TV singing competition Kurd Idol aged just 16, intending to be the only artist signing in English. Deciding at the last minute to perform one Kurdish song and one in English, Bana’s televised performances were an overnight success, quickly pulling her into the Kurdish music industry where she wrote and released Kurdish music for five years, including her debut album Diway Salêk.

When the opportunity presented itself, Bana came to London with the intention of recording her first English language singles. She would write 18 songs in these early sessions (including ‘Bag of Hearts’), spanning pop, house and even drum and bass production.

Across her forthcoming single releases, Bana weaves elements of Kurdish music — complex melody, local instruments and heavy beats — with a maximalist popstar sheen. In the face of potential controversy at home, Bana is defiant in her approach.

With both her Kurdish debut album and her forthcoming English tracks, Bana’s drive, optimism and vocal ability shine through. “I want to make a difference in my country and to be an example for young Kurdish girls,” she declares. “Whatever their dream is, I want to be an example. I exist and you can too.”